Celestial Phenomena Research Articles

Temporal Cycles and their Relationship with the Sky among the Toba of Western Formosa, Argentina

This article explores cultural astronomy from an ethnographic perspective, focusing of the Toba of the middle Pilcomoyo in western Formosa, Argentina. We examine Toba temporal cycles, in particular interpretations of the sky involving Orion’s Belt, the Pleiades, Venus, the Moon and the Sun as well as stars in general, but also noting how time is marked by various environmental factors such as changes in the climate and animal sounds. It is shown that different celestial phenomena are seen as masculine or feminine, and we suggest that this in turn means that some indicate cycles of perishing and renewal, while others are eternal.

Insight HXMT and GECAM joint observation of time domain astronomy from cosmic outbursts

Abstract The field of time-domain astronomy focuses on the observation of temporal variations in celestial phenomena, in particular gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). It emphasized the importance of monitoring transient events and phenomena, which occurred on different time scales, ranging from milliseconds to years. This paper also explained the properties of X-rays and Gamma-rays, their sources and the significance of studying them for understanding the dynamic nature of the universe. The collaboration between the Insight HXMT and GECAM missions was designed to detect and study high-energy astronomical events, such as those associated with black holes and neutron stars, and to provide for rapid data transmission and dissemination of astronomical alerts. By combining observations from the two instruments, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of cosmic phenomena and explore the fundamental physics of the universe.

Exploring the Cosmos: Impact and Significance of the James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) marks a pivotal advancement in astronomical research, building upon the legacy of its predecessors by enhancing the observational capabilities and expanding the understanding of the universe. This study explores the transformative impact of JWST, emphasizing its role in studying the formation and evolution of early galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. By utilizing its advanced infrared capabilities, JWST can penetrate cosmic dust and observe celestial phenomena that were previously obscured, thereby providing unprecedented insights into the early universe and the origins of life’s building blocks. The findings from JWST are expected to challenge existing theories and assumptions in cosmology and astrophysics, facilitating a paradigm shift in the comprehension of cosmic structures and the fundamental processes governing them. Furthermore, the telescope’s ability to analyze exoplanetary atmospheres will contribute significantly to the search for life beyond Earth. Ultimately, the JWST not only represents a technological marvel but also serves as a cornerstone for future astronomical discoveries, shaping the conception of the cosmos for generations to come.

ETHIOPIAN PERSPECTIVES AND SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS OF THE SUN HALO PHENOMENON ON APRIL 7, 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the many interpretations and reactions to the sun halo phenomenon reported in Ethiopia on April 7, 2022, with a particular focus on religious perspectives and scientific analysis. The diameter of the sun halo was measured to be 0.092 km, indicating the peculiarity of this atmospheric occurrence. A study among various religious leaders and community members showed that 80% of respondents considered the phenomenon required special prayers or religious rites, suggesting a significant tendency towards spiritual significance. Additionally, 14% of respondents indicated curiosity regarding the event, suggesting a normal human reaction to odd or incomprehensible situations. Meanwhile, 3% of responders mentioned ceremonial offerings or no specific activities to the sun halo. From a technical aspect, picture analysis of the sun halo revealed an initial pixel count of 108,584 with a standard deviation of 43,265 and a noise standard deviation of 0.0962994, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 33.744. This study underlines the clarity and prominence of the sun halo in the obtained image. Furthermore, the study analyzed the relationship between the sun halo and atmospheric conditions, revealing a correlation coefficient of 0.49 on Day 7, coinciding with occasional cloud cover and atmospheric disturbances. The correlation coefficient slightly reduced to 0.48 on Day 8, when the sky was clear. These findings show a probable relationship between the presence of atmospheric disturbances and the appearance of the sun halo, offering a detailed explanation of this remarkable natural phenomenon. To understand the underlying atmospheric dynamics and probable seasonal trends, future studies should concentrate on a more thorough analysis of sun halos, combining a bigger dataset of occurrences across diverse geographical regions and climatic conditions. Further research could examine the psychological and cultural effects of celestial phenomena, such as sun halos, on different cultures, offering more insight into how these occurrences affect cultural norms and belief systems. Keywords: Sun, halo, scientific, people thought, image

Application of augmented reality in space exploration and astronomy

Introduction: augmented reality (AR) integrates signals captured from the real world with signals generated by computers, making them correspond in the construction of new coherent realities, which complement and coexist in the real world and the virtual world. Objective: characterize the impact of augmented reality on astronomy and space exploration issues. Method: a review of the bibliography was carried out using articles rescued from databases such as SciELO, Dialnet, Scopus, Researchgate, recovering a total of 16 reference articles from available literature related to the topic in question, included in the time frame. between 2019 and 2024. Results: AR constitutes powerful tools for teaching Astronomy, since they allow the observation of stars, constellations and the solar system, facilitating the explanation of celestial phenomena to the educator, generating behaviors of satisfaction, interest, autonomy and, above all, motivation towards The learning of topics related to the universe, maintains the real world that the user sees, complementing it with virtual information superimposed on the real one, thus favoring decision making, the formulation of predictions and solutions and even developing mathematical models. Conclusions: augmented reality constitutes a powerful tool for the acquisition of skills and knowledge, allowing real-time visualization of astronomical data, scientific education and dissemination, space simulations, but above all it allows us to understand and discover the immensity of the universe that surrounds us

A Narrative Review of the Formation of Stars and Galaxies

The formation of stars and galaxies is considered one of the most intriguing and fundamental phenomena in the field of astrophysics. The combination of gravity, nuclear fusion, and the enormous expanse of space is the major driving force behind cosmic evolution. Gaining knowledge about the processes of star formation, development, and eventual destruction, as well as the formation and evolution of galaxies over billions of years, reveals the complex and interconnected nature of our universe. This article discusses the complex processes involved in the creation of stars and galaxies. It explores the scientific hypotheses, observational evidence, and technological breakthroughs that have enhanced our understanding of these celestial phenomena.

Comparative analysis of dark energy compact stars in f(T,T) and f(T) gravity theories via conformally flat condition

This manuscript is the first investigation of dark energy celestial phenomena in the modified gravity theory by examining dark energy compact stars within the context of modified f(T,T) gravity. In order to compare the outcomes of the f(T,T) and f(T) gravity theories, the model f(T,T)=αT(r)+βT(r)+ϕ is selected. This model is then simplified to f(T) gravity by setting β = 0. The f(T) gravity is torsion-based gravity, while in f(T,T ) gravity trace of energy-momentum tensor is coupled with torsion. Moreover, we note that we have more dense object formation in f(T,T) gravity as compared to f(T )-gravity. The spherically symmetric space-time inside the internal geometry is analyzed using a conformally flat condition, while the Schwarzschild geometry represents the outer space-time. Numerous characteristics of dark energy stars are examined, including equation of state components, energy conditions, and dark energy pressure components. Empirical evidence for the existence of dark energy in stellar configurations is presented by the results for pressure components in dark energy, which show a significant negative tendency in these stellar parameters. A complete analysis is performed by thoroughly investigating energy conditions, pressure profiles, sound speeds, gradients, adiabatic index, Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation, mass function, compactness, and redshift function. The mass-radius relation is also discussed via M − R curves. This confirms that the studied star configuration is realistic and acceptable.

Spinoza y el cielo

The present text examines some of Spinoza’s references to astronomical phenomena, based on the ontological connections that various scholars and historians, from Bayle to Jacobi, have made between his thought and that of Giordano Bruno — particularly regarding the issue of pantheism. Spinoza’s thought, as well as optics, teaches that the infinite is not a harmony and that the infinite substance (the infinite power to produce infinite things in infinite modes) does not house one world below the moon and another above it, but rather only one indeterminate and open world. It proposes to conceive Spinozism as a “crossroads” between sky and earth, which does not sacrifice the science of celestial phenomena to the science of affections, nor the latter to the former.

Socio-Cultural and Religious Narratives and Practices Regarding Lunar Eclipse in Village Communities: A Study of Central Punjab, Pakistan

In the history of humankind, lunar eclipse has always captured attention and imaginationof human beings. This study is an anthropological attempt to describe prevailing perceptionsand myths about lunar eclipse and resultant religious and cultural practices in some of therural areas of Central Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, qualitative research techniques of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions have been used to understand and untanglethe strings of indigenous perpetuations about a celestial phenomenon. The research findingsshowed multiple sets of socio-cultural and religious beliefs and practices which have beenfollowed through generations that demonstrate the richness of culture and mythological value of local verbal tales. Perceptions include fear of God, remembering the dayof judgment, good or bad luck, and occurrence of disease. Practices include praying, charity, taking certain precautions to avoid the disease, and doing some religious and cultural rituals. Some unique folktales are also narrated by the respondents of the locale which have specificsocio-cultural meanings for them. The paper describes all these perceptions and practices intwo main parts: socio-cultural perceptions and practices and religious perceptions andpractices.

Fenye by the Numbers: A Quantitative Analysis of Astrological Contents in Chinese Local Gazetteers

Abstract Fenye (分野, lit., “field allocation”), is a traditional Chinese astrological system that associated celestial phenomena with regions on earth since ancient times. During middle and late imperial China, many literati writings criticized this system as illogical. Yet in the local gazetteers that were compiled in late imperial China to document local data within each administrative region, compilers continued to use fenye as the canonical way to identify their regions within the vast empire. The Jesuit introduction of Western sciences to China, in particular the technology that could precisely locate any place or region with latitude and longitude, appeared to render fenye obsolete, which fueled even more literati criticism. Modern scholars consider the public criticism from the Qianlong emperor and the resulting removal of fenye from the 1781 Rehe Gazetteer the end of fenye in imperial orthodoxy. However, by quantitatively analyzing a collection of 4,410 titles of local gazetteers and their section headings, this paper reveals many examples of local literati who resisted removing fenye entirely from their local history, well into the late Republican period.

Astronomical Records in the Goguri Annal of the Three Kingdoms Period

It is known that Chang-Hwa Park (1889–1962) transcribed a chronicle of the Goguryeo kingdom (BC 37–AD 668) of Korea (hereafter Goguri annal) from literature of the time that is no longer available. However, the authenticity of his transcription remains disputed. This study attempts to verify whether the Goguri annal is a pseudograph by analyzing the astronomical records in the annal. Although the Goguryeo kingdom fell in the year 668, the Goguri annal contains records up to the year 536. In this study, we have classified the astronomical records into eight categories and clustered them into two groups: a calendrical data group of reign-name and calendar date categories, and a celestial phenomena group of solar eclipse, trespass, comet, daylight appearance of Venus, meteor/meteorite, and other categories. The records of each category have been compared with those of the Samguksagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), Chinese chronicles, and with the results of modern computations wherever possible. From this comparison, we have not found any critical record that would indicate that the Goguri annal is a pseudograph, although the same astronomical records, with the exception of a few, are also found in the Samguksagi and Chinese chronicles.

Artificial Broadcasts as Galactic Populations. I. A Point Process Formalism for Extraterrestrial Intelligences and Their Broadcasts

Artificial broadcasts from extraterrestrial intelligences are a hypothetical class of celestial phenomena. Unlike known astrophysical objects, the societies that generate them may be able to replicate on galactic scales through interstellar travel. Different galaxies could thus have drastically different populations, with variations in abundance of many orders of magnitude. I present a probabilistic formalism to treat this shared history, in which societies and their broadcasts are described by distributions over basic properties like lifespan and energy released. The framework contains a hierarchy of objects related by a tree structure. Discrete societies, the sources of broadcasts, are organized into potentially interstellar metasocieties. The population of each type of object is represented by a random point process in an abstract parameter hyperspace, a haystack. When a selection like an observation draws a sample, the point process is thinned. Given assumptions of interchangeability and independence, observables are modeled with compound Poisson random variables. I present an example of how selection bias can favor sampling longer-lived objects. I rederive the Drake equation for societies in the limit of no expansion. When interstellar replication is present, however, the mean number of detected broadcasts can depend quadratically on stellar mass, suggesting a search strategy favoring large galaxies.

Equilibrium and Stability of the Solar System Rely on a Human-Like Program of Substance and Information Transfer

This study bridges the realms of astronomy and life science, illuminating the intricate interplay between celestial phenomena and terrestrial biology. While humans may perceive the palpable effects of seasons, climate, geographical location, and the movements of the Sun and moon, other phenomena such as changes in Earth's magnetic field and seismic activity are often sensed by animals but elude human perception. However, with disciplined and sustained training, humans possess the potential to harness the rich array of sensors and sensory systems within the body, thereby unlocking the ability to discern and validate the cosmic influences documented by ancient civilizations. In instances where traditional astronomical inquiries, such as the maintenance of galactic equilibrium, present enigmatic puzzles, insights from cutting-edge life science research may offer promising leads. Newly unveiled mechanisms such as the "Function Enhancement Program of Five-Organs through Umbilical Access" and the rhythmic orchestration of the "Rotating Presidency of Twelve-Organs" elucidate the intricate operations of visceral organs within the human body. Indirect evidence suggests a correlation between these biological processes and the transfer of gaseous substances among celestial bodies, including Mercury, Venus, the Sun, and Jupiter, hinting at a temporal synchronicity that may contribute to the equilibrium and stability of the solar system. Confirmation of substance and information transfer processes could unlock new avenues of inquiry in astronomy, shedding light on vexing conundrums such as dark energy and matter, binary pulsars, gravitational waves, inflation fields, and alternative theories to Einstein's General Relativity. Thus, by bridging the disciplines of astronomy and life science, this study offers fresh perspectives and potential breakthroughs in our understanding of the cosmos.

A Hypothesis on the Original Meaning of Samson’s Hair

The article presents the results of a study on the original meaning of Samson's hair, which according to the biblical text was the secret of his superhuman strength. In this narrative Delilah, after discovering that his power resides in his hair, cuts it, leaving him weakened and vulnerable, and then hands him over to the Philistines, who blind and imprison him. Drawing parallels between Delilah’s characteristics and those of ancient lunar goddesses like the Caucasian Dali, Diana and Artemis, connections are made between Delilah and the Moon. Likewise, earlier research, delving into the significance of Samson’s famous riddle, associates him with fire, metallurgical activities, and even the Sun itself (as indicated by the etymology of his name). This dual association—Delilah with the Moon and Samson with the Sun—is the key to understanding the original meaning of his hair, which is a sophisticated metaphor for the Sun’s corona, which shines at the climax of a total solar eclipse, when Earth, Moon and Sun align. This event casts a cold darkness over the Earth, with the Sun appearing weakened and “blinded”, resembling a black disk, surrounded by the corona, unable to provide light and warmth. Furthermore, additional hints, yet to be explored, suggest that other feats attributed to Samson may also symbolize celestial phenomena. It is also plausible that in ancient times the Sun's corona inspired the creation of regal diadems as well as radiate crowns—often adorned with seven rays, probably reminiscent of Samson’s seven braids—symbolizing the ruler's identification with the Sun itself. Keywords: Samson, Delilah, Dali, Diana, Artemis, Sun, Moon, Sun’s corona, solar eclipse, radiate crown

Beauty and Dao: The Transcendental Expressions of Nature from Emerson’s Prose and the Zhuangzi

As an aesthetic resource in ancient China, the Zhuangzi’s description of Dao is similar to the American philosopher Emerson’s experience of beauty, and both reveal that the essence of beauty lies in its inherent vitality, spiritual transcendence, and the unity of multidimensional connotations. Emerson defines beauty as the constitution of all things in the world and believes it to be an expression of the universe. The Zhuangzi proposes the thought of tiandi damei 天地大美 (lit. Great Beauty of heaven and earth) as a manifestation of the function of the wordless Dao. Nature, intact from any human interference, becomes the common intermediary for Emerson and the Zhuangzi to elaborate on the connotations of beauty. The Emersonian definition of beauty originates from the philosophical implication of the world in ancient Greek, whereas the meaning of Great Beauty in the Zhuangzi, which embodies the worship of heaven in primitive religion, is very close to Emerson’s definition of beauty. The pattern of mei 美 consisting of da 大 (lit. great, equivalent to Dao) and yang 羊 (lit. auspice) signifies the natural celestial phenomena predicting good or bad luck and can be seen as synonymous with Dao illuminated by Daoism. By describing such natural imagery as forest, time sequence, dawn, and wilderness, Emerson reveals the vastness, harmony, brightness, and tranquility of beauty, which not only delights the spirit but also brings the human soul back to its natural state and improves personality. Emerson’s illumination of beauty conforms to those of Dao unraveled by the Zhuangzi. Despite the difference between the former’s poetic linguistic feature and the latter’s application of allegorical fables, both resort to visualized language to express internal aesthetic perceptions of the physical nature. Using the approaches of word tracing, textual comparison, and logical analysis, this article identifies the consistency in the original meanings of beauty in both Emerson’s essays and the Zhuangzi first and then goes on to analyze the similarities between their descriptions of natural imagery, so as to hint at the commonality in their understanding of natural beauty and verify the significance of literary language in cross-cultural comparative research.

Views of The Scholar-Polymath Beruni on The Secrets of The Universe

Objectives: This section outlines the specific goals and aims of the article, focusing on the exploration of Beruni's profound insights and philosophical perspectives regarding the secrets of the universe. It highlights the scholar-polymath's contributions to various fields, emphasizing the overarching objective of delving into his unique perspectives on the nature of the cosmos, its origins, and its underlying principles.
 
 Methods: Here, the article discusses the approach taken to achieve the stated objectives. It details the methods employed to analyze Beruni's extensive research and writings, providing a framework for examining his contributions to astronomy, physics, mathematics, and philosophy. The methods section establishes the groundwork for the subsequent exploration of Beruni's thoughts on celestial bodies, planetary motion, and the interconnectedness of the universe.
 
 Results: This section presents the findings and insights derived from the analysis of Beruni's works. It discusses the scholar's exploration of celestial bodies, planetary motion, and the interplay between celestial phenomena and earthly events. Additionally, it elucidates Beruni's perspectives on the interconnectedness of the universe, the concept of time, and the existence of parallel worlds. The results section aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key ideas and discoveries uncovered through the examination of Beruni's intellectual pursuits.
 
 Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the key findings and discusses their significance in the context of contemporary scientific and philosophical discourse. It reflects on the enduring relevance of Beruni's ideas and the impact of his contributions to our understanding of the secrets of the universe. This section serves as a culmination of the article, summarizing the insights gained from exploring Beruni's profound perspectives and acknowledging their broader implications.

Kabalis / Kabalia Yüksek Yayla Yerleşimlerinde Zeus ve Şimşek Demeti Kabartmaları

The worship of Zeus, the head of the gods of Olympus, is more widespread in rural areas than in urban centers in the Kabalis / Kabalia region. Zeus, who is generally seen in cities for the prosperity and well-being of the city or for amity in treaties, has a different presence in rural areas than the established cult in the cities. Zeus, who is mostly associated with the sky and celestial phenomena, also manifests himself in rural life in agriculture and animal husbandry. In this context, the bust of Zeus and the reliefs, altars and architectural blocks bearing winged or wingless thunderbolt, the attribute of Zeus and recorded in ancient literature, were analyzed on the basis of rural life and especially seasonal migration. In addition to these finds, two altars, one with an inscription, registered in the inventory of the Burdur Archaeological Museum, were also included in the research, and, in relation to rural life and transhumance activities the characteristics related to this deity were investigated. This depiction, which is sometimes seen as a winged thunderbolt and sometimes as a thunderbolt carried by an eagle on the coins of the cities of the Kabalis / Kabalia Region during the Hellenistic Period, appears on rock reliefs, architectural blocks, and altars in the high plateaus, permanent or periodic rural settlements during the Roman Imperial Period. Through the identification of the finds in the region, including those with similar reliefs, a preliminary impression of the epithets with which this deity may have been worshipped has been attempted.

Astronism and the Astronic Religious Tradition

A new religion was founded in 2013 that goes by the name of Astronism while its community of followers are known as Astronists. This article gives a rigorous account of the eschatology, soteriology and worldview of this new space religion while contextualizing its emergence as part of a broader Astronic religious tradition. This proposed tradition may itself possess prehistoric roots in the Upper Palaeolithic in the earliest human observations of the night sky. Human beings in turn came to establish a relationship with celestial phenomena, one of both spiritual and secular utility that has since produced systems of astrotheism and astrology. In the contemporary, the projection of the Astronist theory of history onto the Astronic tradition has meant that Astronism’s salvific doctrine of transcension is established as a grand narrative and universal ethic that unites the Astronic tradition. In essence, this article considers how Astronism, as a new religious movement, is working to revive astronomical religion, albeit in ways relevant in an age of space exploration and appropriate to modern scientific knowledge about humanity’s true place in the universe.

Many Nights

This essay builds on environmental humanistic scholarship about the night in a study of arts associated with the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, a lighting-regulated locale in Aotearoa / New Zealand, that is part of an international network of places intended to protect the night sky. Chris Murphy’s time lapse, South Celestial Pole from Mt John (2016), shot in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, hastens time and utilizes a star tracker so that the city and lake of Takapō turn sideways against stars. The film connects relative darkness and highly visible celestial phenomena to startling perceptual change. The film is less evocative of how darkness and other nocturnal processes are interwoven with colonial histories and interconnected socio-environmental injustices. Robert Sullivan, a poet whose ancestral lands include the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, is attentive to such concerns in the collection Star Waka (1999). Sullivan uses karakia (chants, incantation) to frame how stars and darkness nurture Māori practices like navigation but also to evoke precariousness woven into the night, from colonial astronomy to socially uneven policing and lighting. This essay, then, argues for critical caution regarding arts and narratives that only emphasize night’s wondrous qualities and its endangerment. Rather than framing night simply as a good phase to be protected, we might participate in night by addressing both the injustices and the varied dreams and struggles that it bears.

Elastic Data Binning: Time-Series Sketching for Time-Domain Astrophysics Analysis

Time-domain astrophysics analysis (TDAA) involves observational surveys of celestial phenomena that may contain irrelevant information because of several factors, one of which is the sensitivity of the optical telescopes. Data binning is a typical technique for removing inconsistencies and clarifying the main characteristics of the original data in astrophysics analysis. It splits the data sequence into smaller bins with a fixed size and subsequently sketches them into a new representation form. In this study, we introduce a novel approach, called elastic data binning (EBinning), to automatically adjust each bin size using two statistical metrics based on the Student's t-test for linear regression and Hoeffding inequality. EBinning outperforms well-known algorithms in TDAA for extracting relevant characteristics of time-series data, called lightcurve. We demonstrate the successful representation of various characteristics in the lightcurve gathered from the Kiso Schmidt telescope using EBinning and its applicability for transient detection in TDAA.